How to Roast Peanuts

Woud you like to learn how to roast peanuts? Not only are peanuts tasty, satisfying snacks, but roasted peanuts can also be used to add a savory crunch to salads, sauces, desserts and meat dishes. Roasting gives the shelled and unshelled nuts extra rich flavor with simple cooking techniques. It also provides tips for selecting and storing the nuts, along with a host of delicious recipes that include roasted peanuts.

Whether you love to snack on unshelled peanuts at baseball games or use shelled peanuts in sweet or savory recipes, rest assured that you're getting more than great taste and crunch. Peanuts are a great source of protein, fiber, folic acid and are also cholesterol-free.American Peanut Council: Peanut Nutrition Discover how to roast fresh peanuts to increase their crunch and buttery flavor.

• Get the best flavor from your roasted peanuts by properly selecting and storing the fresh nuts.

1. Consider buying Virginia or Valencia peanuts for roasting and eating.Food Network: Roasted Peanuts Recipe

2. If you're buying unshelled peanuts in a package, be sure you can't see moisture or signs of insect infestation inside.World's Healthiest Foods: Peanuts: How to Select and Store

3. If you're buying unshelled peanuts from an open container, smell them to ensure they aren't spoiled or musty.World's Healthiest Foods: Peanuts: How to Select and Store

4. Choose peanuts with shells that don't have cracks or small holes.Our Ohio: Peanuts: Selection

5. Gently press on the shells to ensure they're firm and not rubbery.Whole Health MD: Peanuts: Shopping

6. The peanuts should not rattle too much when you shake them, which may mean the peanuts have shriveled inside the shell.Our Ohio: Peanuts: Selection

1. Store raw, unshelled peanuts in a cool, dry area for up to six months.Whole Health MD: Peanuts: Storage

2. Unshelled peanuts can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to nine months.World's Healthiest Foods: Peanuts: How to Select and Store

3. Store shelled peanuts in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three months.Nature's Bounty: Peanuts: Buying and Storing Tips

4. Shelled peanuts can be frozen for up to one year if stored in plastic bags or freezer-safe containers.Whole Health MD: Peanuts: Storage

5. Throw away any peanuts that have turned moldy or rancid.Nature's Bounty: Peanuts: Buying and Storing Tips

• Whether you choose to use the oven or microwave to roast your unshelled peanuts, consider removing the "red" skins first by freezing, slightly cooking or blanching them.Virginia Favorites: How to Roast Peanuts: Peanut Preparation

• What You'll Need
• Shelled peanuts (any quantity)
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Spoon
• Salt (optional)
• What to Do

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.American Peanut Shellers Association: How Do I Roast Peanuts?
2. Spread the shelled peanuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.About.com: How to Oven Roast Peanuts
3. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes.Virginia Favorites: How to Roast Peanuts
4. Stir the peanuts occasionally while baking.American Peanut Shellers Association: How Do I Roast Peanuts?
5. Remove the peanuts from the oven and add salt while the nuts are still warm, if desired.American Peanut Shellers Association: How Do I Roast Peanuts?
   • -Peanuts will continue to cook while cooking, so remove them even if they appear slightly underdone.About.com: How to Oven Roast Peanuts
6. Let the peanuts cool for 10 minutes before eating.About.com: How to Oven Roast Peanuts

• What You'll Need
• 2 cups shelled peanuts
• Microwave-safe glass dish
• 2 teaspoons butter
• Spoon
• Microwave
• What to Do

1. Spread the peanuts in microwave-save glass dish.The Cooking Inn: Peanuts Roasted in a Microwave Oven
2. Dot the top of the peanuts with butter, broken into small pieces.The Cooking Inn: Peanuts Roasted in a Microwave Oven
3. Microwave on high for two minutes.Better Times: Microwave Oven Roasting
4. Take the peanuts out and stir the nuts.Better Times: Microwave Oven Roasting
5. Continue the microwave for two minutes and stir pattern until the peanuts have roasted for 10 to 12 minutes total, depending on your desired level of darkness.Better Times: Microwave Oven Roasting
   • -The peanuts will continue to cook as the bowl cools down, so remove them just before they reach the desired shade.American Peanut Shellers Association: How Do I Roast Peanuts? Microwave Roasted Peanuts
6. Let the peanuts cool for 10 minutes before eating.The Cooking Inn: Peanuts Roasted in a Microwave Oven

1. Sprinkle the freshly roasted peanuts with spices like salt, onion salt, curry powder, paprika or cinnamon.Virginia Favorites: How to Roast Peanuts: Seasoning Tips

2. Make your own honey roasted peanuts in the oven.Recipezaar: Honey Roasted Peanuts

3. Combine the roasted peanuts with chipotle chili powder, garlic powder and honey for a sweet and spicy kick.All Recipes: Chipotle Honey Roasted Peanuts

4. Roast peanuts with garlic cloves, chilies and lime to infuse them with flavor.Chow: Chile-Lime Peanuts

5. Worcestershire and hot pepper sauce give peanuts a lot of heat.Recipezaar: Southern Spicy Roasted Peanuts

6. Use barbecue sauce and onion powder to give roasted peanuts a barbecue flavor.Recipezaar: Barbecued Peanuts

• For an authentic ball park experience, use the oven to roast fresh peanuts while they're still in the shell.

• 1 pound peanuts, in the shell

• Baking sheet

• Oven

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (optional)

• 2 tablespoons salt (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.About.com: How to Oven Roast Peanuts
2. Arrange the peanuts in a single layer on a baking dish.All Recipes: Roasted Peanuts
   • -If you'd like to give the peanuts a salted flavor, first rinse the peanuts with water and allow to dry.Food Network: Roasted Peanuts Recipe
   • -Coat the peanuts with the peanut oil and salt before spreading them onto the baking sheet.Food Network: Roasted Peanuts Recipe
3. Bake the peanuts for about 25 minutes.About.com: How to Roast Peanuts
4. Shake or stir the peanuts once or twice during the baking time.About.com: How to Oven Roast Peanuts
5. Remove the peanuts from the oven and serve them while they're still warm.About.com: How to Roast Peanuts